You will be asked to read random letters that become smaller line by line as your eyes move down the chart.

To see if you need glasses, the doctor will place several lenses in front of your eye, one at a time, and ask you when the letters on the Snellen chart become easier to see. This is called a refraction test
.

Other parts of the exam include tests to:

See if you have proper three-dimensional (3D) vision (stereopsis).

Check your side (peripheral) vision.

Check the eye muscles by asking you to look in different directions at a penlight or other small object.

Examine the pupils with a penlight to see that they respond (constrict) properly to light.

Often, you'll be given eyedrops to open up (dilate) your pupils. This allows the doctor to use a device called an ophthalmoscope to view the structures at the back of the eye. This area is called the fundus. It includes the retina
and nearby blood vessels and optic nerve.

How to prepare for the test

Make an appointment with an eye doctor (some take walk-in patients). Avoid eye strain on the day of the test. You may need someone to drive you home if the doctor uses eye drops to dilate your pupils.

How the test will feel

The tests cause no pain or discomfort.

Why the test is performed

All children should have vision screening in a pediatrician's or family practitioner's office around the time when they learn the alphabet, and then every 1 to 2 years afterward. Screening should begin sooner if any eye problems are suspected.

Between ages 20 and 39:

A complete eye exam should be done every 5 to 10 years

Adults who wear contact lenses need yearly eye exams

Certain eye symptoms or disorders may require more frequent exams

Adults over age 40 who have no risk factors or ongoing eye conditions should be screened:

Every 2 to 4 years for adults ages 40 - 54

Every 1 to 3 years for adults ages 55 - 64

Every 1 to 2 years for adults age 65 and older

Depending on your risk factors for eye diseases and your current symptoms or illnesses, your eye doctor may recommend that you have exams more often.

Eye and medical problems that can be found by a routine eye test include:

What the risks are

If you received drops to dilate your eyes for the ophthalmoscopy, your vision will be blurred and sunlight can damage your eye. Wear dark glasses or shade your eyes to avoid discomfort until the dilation wears off, usually in several hours.

Special considerations

Many eye diseases, especially glaucoma and retinal detachment, are curable or can be treated if detected early.

For help in finding a doctor or health service that suits your needs, call the UPMC Referral Service at 412-647-UPMC (8762) or 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). Select option 1.

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